Larry Thomas

Movie Review: The Iceman

Larry Thomas — Fri, 24 May 2013 05:31:05 +0000

Sometimes a film that may seem derivative from other, better films can be totally redeemed by just one thing. In the case of The Iceman, it may remind you of Goodfellas, but what makes it almost as good as that classic mob movie is the stunning performance of Lexington, Kentucky native Michael Shannon.

Movie Review: The Great Gatsby

Larry Thomas — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:31:05 +0000

I have not been a fan of director Baz Luhrmann from day one. I was completely underwhelmed by Strictly Ballroom; managed to miss his take on Romeo and Juliet; and his epic Valentine to his home country, Australia, was as turgid and unwatchable as just about anything can be. Until I got to Moulin Rouge, which was thoroughly annoying to the point it was one of the few films that had me heading to the exit long before it was over. Needless to say, that track record had me anticipating The Great Gatsby with the same joy as a day at the dentist. Imagine my surprise when I watched the entire film without a twitch, or a fidget, or a glance at the time. I really liked it.

Movie Review: Mud

Larry Thomas — Fri, 10 May 2013 05:31:05 +0000

In his third feature film, Mud, writer-director Jeff Nichols has delivered a stirring coming of age tale that’s part Stand by Me, part Hickleberry Finn, and part William Faulkner. If it had been made in the mid-fifties, I can imagine a young Paul Newman as the title character. As it is, Matthew McConaughey, who keeps adding to his acting laurels with each chosen role, plays Mud. From Bernie to Killer Joe to Magic Mike, and now Mud, McConaughey seems determined to break out of the Hollywood rom-com pigeonhole and create characters that impress and intrigue. And maybe even get him an Oscar nomination one day.

Seeking out unknown animals

Larry Thomas — Fri, 03 May 2013 05:32:20 +0000

Cryptozoology: the study of hidden or unknown animals, creatures not confirmed or recognized by science. Filmmaker Christopher Maloney has recently completed his documentary, Cryptotrip, about his journey to talk to people who claim to have seen one or more of these unknown creatures. He joins Larry Thomas to talk about his 20 state road trip and how people can view his film.

Movie Review: From Up on Poppy Hill

Larry Thomas — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 05:31:05 +0000

I have a confession to make. I have never seen a film by Japan’s master animator Hiyao Miyazaki, one of Japan's greatest animation directors, and founder of the legendary Studio Ghibli. His films have earned him international renown from critics as well as public recognition within Japan.